New bursaries available for post-secondary studies in French as a second language

Press release by:

UBC’s French program will have 30 FSL bursaries available for the 2020-2021 academic year.

Ottawa, April 28, 2020 — The new Bursaries for Postsecondary Studies in French as a Second Language (FSL) Program aims at encouraging a greater number of young English-speaking Canadians to become bilingual, while studying in their field of interest. Administered by the Association des collèges et universités de la francophonie canadienne (ACUFC), the program will award 850 non-renewable bursaries, each worth $3,000, on a yearly basis from 2020 to 2023. It is funded by the Department of Canadian Heritage.

Benefits of bilingualism:

Under the slogan “It’s rewarding to be bilingual!”, the program highlights the several benefits of pursuing postsecondary studies in French.

“Studying in French beyond high school contributes to strengthening sustained and gainful bilingualism in our country,” explains Lynn Brouillette, President and CEO of the ACUFC. “Often, people who have studied French as a second language at the secondary or postsecondary level improve their knowledge of the French language and Francophone culture. Thanks to the FSL bursaries, they will have the opportunity to further develop their linguistic skills in postsecondary institutions that provide French-language programs, while delving into the diverse and rich culture of the Francophonie.”

About the ACUFC:
The Association des collèges et universités de la francophonie canadienne (ACUFC) brings together 21 colleges and universities of the Canadian Francophonie. Our vision: increase access to postsecondary education in French, thus creating an effective continuum of French-language education, from early childhood to postsecondary studies. Two other entities also operate under our aegis: the Consortium national de formation en santé (CNFS) and the Réseau national de formation en justice (RNFJ). These three organizations carry out compatible, essential and research-oriented missions. Together, we contribute to the vitality and sustainability of the Canadian Francophonie in education, health and justice, all across Canada. ACUFC.ca